Glendronach 26 Years Old 1992 Cask #219

This official Glendronach, a 26 year old, from 1992, cask 219, at 58.9%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt known for its heavy Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry maturation. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for the rich, sherried make Glendronach is known for. It was fully matured in an Oloroso sherry butt, the wood deep in the rich spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. Maturation runs slow and even in the traditional dunnage warehouses on the Forgue site. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time.

At 58.9%, undiluted, it is dark and full. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. The finish is long, rich and spiced. This is a deep, sherried Highland single malt.